Nawiliwili (Lihue, Kauai Island Hawaii)

Nawiliwili is located on Kauai Island, north-western Hawaii (USA). It is situated north-west of Oahu Island, and is separated from it by the Kauai Channel. Nawiliwili is also east of Niihau, and it is separated by Kaulakahi Channel.

Hawaii's 4th-largest island, Kauai island, sometimes known as "Garden Island", was formed by volcanic action. It is covered with mountains, with the highest being Kawaikini Peak (1,599 km / 5,243 ft above sea level).

Kauai is also seamed with canyons, with the deepest being Waimea (almost 16 km / 10 mi long and more than 0.8 km / 0.5 mi) deep.

The main population centres are Kapaa and Lihue and there is a beautiful beach at Kalpaki.

IMPORTANT: Effective January 1st, 2026, Hawaii extends its Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) to include cruise ship passengers. Previously applicable only to hotel stays, the 11% TAT will be prorated for the duration cruise ships are docked in Hawaiian ports. For instance, tourists on a 14-night voyage with 3 nights in Hawaiian waters will incur the tax on those specific nights. The legislative change is anticipated to generate ~US$100 million annually, with funds earmarked exclusively for environmental protection and climate resilience projects. These initiatives include beach restoration, infrastructure reinforcement against storms, and the removal of invasive species contributing to wildfire risks.

Nawiliwili cruise terminal